Clifton Lock

Clifton Lock is a water gate on the River Thames in Oxfordshire measuring 39.57 meters (130 feet) long and 5.79 meters (19 feet) wide, with a lift of 1.03 meters (3 feet). It allows boats to pass through and continue their journey along the river network.

The lock was built in 1822 by the Thames Navigation Commissioners to solve shipping problems on this stretch of river. This work made the waterway easier to use for commercial boats moving goods through the region.

The lock marks the entrance to the Clifton Cut, a bypass channel that lets boats skip a longer, more winding section of river north of Long Wittenham.

The lock can be reached by a long track starting from the A415 road heading toward Abingdon, near Fullamor Farm. Wear sturdy shoes since the path is unpaved and can get muddy depending on recent weather.

This lock operated without a weir for thirteen years after it opened in 1822, which was unusual because most other Thames locks had weirs already in place. This oddity makes it a notable case in the story of river improvements.

Location: Oxfordshire

GPS coordinates: 51.64840,-1.21080

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:01